Preventing falls at home is essential for keeping children safe as they explore their surroundings. Using stationary walkers and playpens can provide secure play areas, while installing safety gates helps block access to stairs and other risky spots. It is important to keep stairs clear of clutter and avoid placing toys or tempting items on top of furniture where children might climb. Despite precautions, falls can still occur and may lead to foot injuries, such as sprains, fractures, or bruises. A podiatrist can assess the extent of these injuries, provide proper treatment, and guide recovery with supportive footwear. If your child has balance issues or sustained a foot or ankle injury from falling, it is suggested that you confer with a podiatrist who can treat various injuries, and guide you effective fall prevention techniques.
Preventing falls among the elderly is very important. If you are older and have fallen or fear that you are prone to falling, consult with one of our doctors from Favor Foot Ankle Leg & Wound Center. Our doctors will assess your condition and provide you with quality advice and care.
Every 11 seconds, an elderly American is being treated in an emergency room for a fall related injury. Falls are the leading cause of head and hip injuries for those 65 and older. Due to decreases in strength, balance, senses, and lack of awareness, elderly persons are very susceptible to falling. Thankfully, there are a number of things older persons can do to prevent falls.
How to Prevent Falls
Some effective methods that older persons can do to prevent falls include:
Enrolling in strength and balance exercise program to increase balance and strength
Periodically having your sight and hearing checked
Discuss any medications you have with a doctor to see if it increases the risk of falling
Clearing the house of falling hazards and installing devices like grab bars and railings
Utilizing a walker or cane
Wearing shoes that provide good support and cushioning
Talking to family members about falling and increasing awareness
Falling can be a traumatic and embarrassing experience for elderly persons; this can make them less willing to leave the house, and less willing to talk to someone about their fears of falling. Doing such things, however, will increase the likelihood of tripping or losing one’s balance. Knowing the causes of falling and how to prevent them is the best way to mitigate the risk of serious injury.
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our office located in South Amboy, NJ. We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.
Gout is a painful, inflammatory form of arthritis. Those affected will typically feel an intense stiffness in the joints of their feet, particularly in the big toe. Schedule a visit to learn about how gout can be managed and treated.
Plantar fasciitis is caused by inflammation of the plantar fascia, the thick band of tissue that runs along the bottom of the foot and supports the arch. This condition often leads to sharp heel pain, especially with the first steps in the morning or after long periods of rest. Risk factors include prolonged standing, flat feet, high arches, obesity, and wearing footwear that lacks proper support. Symptoms include aching, stiffness, or a burning sensation in the heel. If left untreated, the pain can become chronic and interfere with daily activities. A podiatrist can diagnose plantar fasciitis, provide targeted stretching exercises, and offer custom orthotics or treatments to relieve pain and promote healing. If you have heel pain, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can accurately diagnose and treat the condition.
Plantar fasciitis can be very painful and inconvenient. If you are experiencing heel pain or symptoms of plantar fasciitis, contact one of our doctors from Favor Foot Ankle Leg & Wound Center. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.
What Is Plantar Fasciitis?
Plantar fasciitis is the inflammation of the thick band of tissue that runs along the bottom of your foot, known as the plantar fascia, and causes mild to severe heel pain.
What Causes Plantar Fasciitis?
Excessive running
Non-supportive shoes
Overpronation
Repeated stretching and tearing of the plantar fascia
Shockwave therapy – sound waves are sent to the affected area to facilitate healing and are usually used for chronic cases of plantar fasciitis
Surgery – usually only used as a last resort when all else fails. The plantar fascia can be surgically detached from the heel
While very treatable, plantar fasciitis is definitely not something that should be ignored. Especially in severe cases, speaking to your doctor right away is highly recommended to avoid complications and severe heel pain. Your podiatrist can work with you to provide the appropriate treatment options tailored to your condition.
If you have any questions please feel free to contact our office located in South Amboy, NJ. We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.
Achilles tendonitis involves inflammation in the tendon that connects the calf muscles to the heel bone, often the result of overuse or repetitive strain. A podiatrist may recommend specific stretching and strengthening exercises to help relieve tension, improve mobility, and support long-term recovery. Calf stretches, such as the runner’s stretch or toe-to-wall stretch, can reduce tightness and ease strain on the Achilles tendon. Another useful stretch is the heel drop, which involves slowly lowering the heel below a step to gently lengthen the tendon. Once stretching is tolerated, strengthening exercises like seated heel raises and controlled resistance band movements may be introduced to reduce the likelihood of reinjury. These exercises aim to support the structures surrounding the Achilles tendon and protect it during activity. A podiatrist can evaluate the severity of the condition and determine if additional support, like custom orthotics or surgery, is needed. If you are experiencing Achilles tendon pain, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for appropriate treatment, which may include targeted exercises.
Achilles tendon injuries need immediate attention to avoid future complications. If you have any concerns, contact one of our doctors of Favor Foot Ankle Leg & Wound Center. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.
What Is the Achilles Tendon?
The Achilles tendon is a tendon that connects the lower leg muscles and calf to the heel of the foot. It is the strongest tendon in the human body and is essential for making movement possible. Because this tendon is such an integral part of the body, any injuries to it can create immense difficulties and should immediately be presented to a doctor.
What Are the Symptoms of an Achilles Tendon Injury?
There are various types of injuries that can affect the Achilles tendon. The two most common injuries are Achilles tendinitis and ruptures of the tendon.
Achilles Tendinitis Symptoms
Inflammation
Dull to severe pain
Increased blood flow to the tendon
Thickening of the tendon
Rupture Symptoms
Extreme pain and swelling in the foot
Total immobility
Treatment and Prevention
Achilles tendon injuries are diagnosed by a thorough physical evaluation, which can include an MRI. Treatment involves rest, physical therapy, and in some cases, surgery. However, various preventative measures can be taken to avoid these injuries, such as:
Thorough stretching of the tendon before and after exercise
Strengthening exercises like calf raises, squats, leg curls, leg extensions, leg raises, lunges, and leg presses
If you have any questions please feel free to contact our office located in South Amboy, NJ. We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.
